This is a collection of articles the Museum provided for the local publications Quick Throttle & Just Ride magazines no longer in production.

The motorcycles on display at the museum sometimes change. Contact us to inquire if a specific bike is on display.

Next time your in town, stop by and check out some of the other finely restored motorcycles on exhibit at the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum.

1936 Indian Model 436

The 1936 Indian Four was designed to be the “worlds finest and fastest stock motorcycle” according to the Indian News publication. The Model 436 was Indian’s first factory produced four cylinder motor and it had been thoroughly redesigned from the previously supplied ACE motors. Dubbed the “Upside Down Four”, it featured a new “Exhaust over Intake” (EOI) design that was intended to keep air intake cooler, producing more power with its large radial finned head design.

The Model 436 would see four redesigns in its first year of production. This featured Colorado Highway Patrol bike was the first design, easily distinguished by its small tail light, early screw in gas caps, exposed valve train and small exhaust heat shield. In its day, its 100 mph plus top speed and its ability to cruise at 90 mph made it a police favorite. A Boulder County, CO policeman stated “This is the wickedest piece of machinery I have ever had the pleasure of operating”. Who knows… maybe Grandpa was issued a citation from this beauty.

1936 and 1937 were the only 2 years this model would be produced with total production numbers at about 1100 machines. The low production numbers, massive engine centerpiece and dual exhaust pipes make the Model 436 a favorite of collectors. This bike still resides in its home state of Colorado.

Special thanks to Jeff and Kristal from Iron Horse Livery for preserving this piece of our motorcycling history and giving us a glimpse of the past and what it was like to ride a motorcycle ~ back in the day!